Adjustable window well grate

ABSTRACT

A grate for an opening that has a wall section with an upper rim, such as a window well, includes a rigid base and a plurality of rigid spokes extending outwardly from the base. Each spoke includes a fixed section affixed to the base and an extendible section that terminates in a distal end and that is movably supported by the fixed section between a retracted position and an extended position. The sections of the spokes may be telescopically engaged. In one embodiment, the base includes a hub member and a brace member positioned outwardly of the hub member with the fixed member of the spokes having opposite ends affixed respectively thereto. In another embodiment, the base member has a central section and a pair of base extension pieces that may be extended and retracted.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly concerns grates that are adapted to mount over openings such as a window wells and the like. More particularly, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention concerns an adjustable window well grate wherein the grate can be adjusted to fit a variety of window well shapes and sizes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many houses and other types of buildings possess a lower floor or a basement which is partially or completely below ground level. In these structures, window wells are commonly used to facilitate the placement of exterior windows in the perimeter walls, partially or fully below ground level, in order to allow light and air to enter the building as well as providing an emergency exit. The window well is typically formed of a barrier structure or shell, made of metal, wood, fiberglass, concrete or the like, placed around the outside of the window to create a retaining wall, thus preventing the surrounding soil or gravel from entering the well and blocking the window. In a typical construction scenario, a large cavity in the soil around the window is exposed, the window well is mounted or built about the window. The soil is then backfilled to the desired level around the exterior of the well.

While the purpose of the window well is to allow fresh air and light in, it can also pose a safety hazard in that children or animals may fall into the well cavity. In response to this, coverings are oftentimes placed over the top of the well. These covers may also be secured from the inside to hinder entry of the building through these windows yet allow exit through the window in an emergency. These well covers are oftentimes made of metal grating, lattices and the like so as not to totally seal off the well but to allow air and light to enter the well and still keep large objects out.

Window wells are made in a variety of shapes and materials. Some covers are standard sized, pre-fabricated shells of steel which secure to the building wall on the sides of the window and curve outwardly to form the well. Grates to fit these can also be pre-fabricated. A problem can exist in that these grates may not properly fit the well due to the fact that the backfilled soil pressures can distort the shape of the well. In other instances the window well is constructed on-site and it may not be of a size for which a standard, off-the-shelf window well cover would work.

To address these problems it would be desirable to have an adjustable window well grate which could be fit to the in-situ size of the window well. U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,195, issued to J. Wahe on Dec. 21, 1993 discusses an adjustable window well grate consisting of U-shaped stringers, with cross-support members, which can be selectively extended or contracted to fit the outer perimeter of the well. Once the grate is sized to the profile of the well's shape, the cross-members are securely bolted to the stringers to form a rigid covering. To size the grate, a template of the window well's shape is constructed of cardboard, the grate is placed over the template, and the stringers and cross-members are positioned to match the template. Once the proper shape is attained, the cross-members are bolted and then the grate may be placed over the window well.

Although this device can be assembled to selectably fit a window well, it requires some effort due to the need for creation of a template and the remote adjustment of the grate to the template before placing onto the window well. In addition, it requires tools for the tightening of the bolts.

There is a need to alleviate these problems and make a grate which is easier to put into use. It would be desirable to have an adjustable grate which could be placed onto the window well and adjusted in-place while requiring no tools. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs, among others.

ASPECTS OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a new and useful device for protectively covering an opening such as a window well or the like.

It is an aspect of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide an adjustable grate which can be fit to a variety of window well shapes and sizes.

Still a further aspect of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide a window well grate which is easily adjustable in-place without the need for tools.

Yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide an adjustable window well grate that can retrofit onto existing window well structures.

According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a grate is provided that is adapted to extend over an opening formed in part by a wall section that has in an upper rim and that extends around at least a portion of the opening. Broadly, the grate includes a rigid base and a plurality of rigid spokes supported by and extending outwardly from the base. Each spoke include a fixed section affixed to the base and an extendible section terminating in a distal end. The extendible section is moveably supported by the fixed section whereby the extendible section may be moved to a selected position between an extended position and a retracted position such that the distal end portion thereof may be selectively adjusted at different distances from the base.

In one embodiment, the base includes a base member that has a central section and a pair of base extension pieces that are moveable supported by the central section whereby the base extension pieces may be moved between and extended position and a retracted position such that the distal ends thereof may be selectively adjusted at different distances apart from one another. Here, the fixed sections of the spokes may be affixed to the central section. Here, also, in one embodiment, a hub member is secured to the base member. The fixed sections of the spokes are then affixed to the hub member.

In another embodiment, the base is defined by a hub member with the affixed sections of the spokes being affixed to the hub member. Moreover, in some embodiments, a brace member is positioned outwardly of the hub member with first ends of fixed sections being affixed to the hub member and with second ends of the fixed sections being affixed to the brace member. In some embodiments, the hub member is arcuate in shape.

As noted, each extendible section is moveably supported by a respected fixed section. In the exemplary embodiments, the extendible sections are telescopically received in the fixed sections. A releasable locking element, such as a setscrew, may be provided and is operative to secure a respective extendible section in a selected position. The distal end portions of extendible sections may have holes formed therein that are sized and adapted to receive anchor elements to secure the distal end portions to the upper rim of the wall section. Alternatively, the distal end portion of each extendible section may be formed as a lip that is sized and adapted to engage the upper rim of the wall section. Moreover, in some embodiments, the distal end portion of each extendible section has a notch formed therein proximately to the lip with this notch being sized to receive the upper rim of the wall section therein.

From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that the grate is especially adapted for use with a window well wherein the window well includes an upstanding retaining wall with an upper rim and that extends around at least a portion of a well that allows light to enter a window. Accordingly, the present invention also contemplates an improvement to a window well that is associated with a building where the building has a structure sidewall supporting a window. Here, the window well includes an upstanding retaining wall with an upper rim with the retaining wall extending around at least a portion of the window so as to form a well allowing light to enter the window. The improvement is in the form of a grate that is adapted to extend over an upper portion of the window well. This grate includes a rigid base adapted to be positioned adjacent to the structural sidewall in a plurality of rigid spokes supported by and extending outwardly from the base. Each spoke includes a fixed section affixed to the base and an extendible section terminating a distal end portion. The extendible sections are moveable supported by the respective fixed sections whereby the extendible sections may be moved to selected positions between and extended position and a retracted position such that the distal end portion thereof may be selectively adjusted to different distances from the base.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated or understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown mounted onto the sidewall of a window well;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the adjustable grate shown in FIG. 1 including a fixed spoke and an extendable spoke;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the present invention shown mounted onto a semi-circular window well sidewall;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the present invention shown mounted onto a rectangular window well sidewall;

FIG. 5 is a side view in cross-section showing the extendable spoke in a retracted position and the fully extended position (in phantom);

FIG. 6 is a side view in cross-section, similar to FIG. 5, of the spoke of present invention employing three telescoping sections;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is top plan view of as fourth embodiment of the present invention: and

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a window well grate which is adapted to adjustably fit and cover a variety of window well shapes while providing air and light to enter the well. The grate generally includes a rigid framework including a rigid base and a plurality of rigid spokes that are supported by and that extend outwardly from the base. The spokes each include a fixed section affixed to said base and an extendible section terminating in a distal end that is movably supported by a respective fixed section. This allows the extendible sections to be moved to a selected position between an extended position and a retracted position such that the distal end portions thereof may be selectively adjusted to be at different distances from said base. In this manner, an extendable grate can be configured and mounted onto a variety of window well shapes and sizes without the need for a custom grate for different window

The base member may include a hub or be formed as a hub. An optional brace member may form part of the framework with the brace member being positioned outwardly of the base member or hub. The fixed section of the spokes can be hollow, tubular members that are fixed relative to the hub or base member. The extendable spoke sections are then telescopically received in the respective fixed section. The extendable spoke sections can be individually extended or retracted to attach to the sidewall of a window well. wells.

A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Here an adjustable grate 10 is mounted onto the upper rim 16 of a retaining wall 12 which defines a window well 14 by retaining the surrounding soil 18 and preventing it from filling the well 14. The sidewall 12 is mounted against the structural sidewall 30, for example, of a building. Here, the grate 10 includes a base formed as an arcuate-shaped hub 22, and an arcuate-shaped brace 24 is positioned outwardly of hub 22. Grate 10 also includes a plurality of spokes 26 which interconnect hub 22 and brace 24. Spokes 26 extend radially outwardly from the hub 22 and brace 24. The spokes 26 are generally co-planar so that the grate 10 will mount onto a window well rim 16 which is also generally co-planar. The hub 22 and brace 24 shown in this embodiment are rectangular in cross-section, but one skilled in the art can appreciate that other shapes can perform the same function.

As shown in FIG. 2, the spokes 26 include fixed spoke sections 27 that are hollow members with an interior 52. An extendable spoke section 28 fits telescopically inside a fixed spoke section 27 and is sized to be selectably extended or retracted, with respect to the brace 24, such that it's position can be adjusted to attach to the rim 16 of the window well sidewall 12 for a variety of sidewall 12 shapes.

The manner in which the grate 10 functions to be adjusted is best understood by referring to FIGS. 2 and 5. FIG. 2 is an exploded portion of the adjustable grate 10 while FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken through one of the spokes 26 showing the extendable spoke 28 in a fully extended position (dashed lines) and a retracted position (solid lines) relative to the fixed spoke section 27. The fixed spoke section 27, a hollow, rectangular member, includes a hub end 32 and a brace end 34. The hub end 32 is rigidly attached, by welding or other such means, to abut the outward face 36 of hub 22 and, similarly, the brace end 34 is attached to the inner brace face 38 of brace 24. A hole 48, extending from the outer brace face 50 to the inner brace face 38, is located in the brace 24 at the juncture of each fixed spoke section 27. The hole 48 is sized to match the cross-section of the fixed spoke interior 52 so that the extendable spoke section 28 may be telescopically received therein.

To this end each extendable spoke section 28 is also a rectangular member with a cross-section sized to fit within both the hole 48 and the interior 52 of fixed spoke section 27. Thus, extendable spoke section 28 can be extended and retracted with respect to the fixed spoke section 27. This can be seen from FIG. 5 where the extendable spoke section 28 is shown in the fully retracted position (solid) and in an extended position (phantom). A set screw 30 is mounted onto a fixed spoke section 27 to allow the locking of the extendable spoke section 28 during the installation process and once the grate 10 is in final position.

Each extendable spoke section 28 has a distal rim end 40 including a lip 44 and a notch 42. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, when installed over the window well 14, the rim end 40 engages the rim 16 of the sidewall 12 to prevent the spoke section 28 from sliding longitudinally. The notch 42 is therefore sized and adapted to fit over the rim of typical metal window well sidewalls 16.

The selective positioning of each of the extendable spokes 26 allows the grate 10 to be used with a variety of window well shapes. FIGS. 3 and 4 show two examples of this potential variation. The grate 10 is adjustable to fit any window well sidewall 12,12′ providing the brace 24 will fit within the rim 16,16′ and providing that the distance a₀, measured from the brace 24 to a point on the rim 16,16′ along the axial line of that particular extendable spoke section 28, is equal to or less than the maximum extension distance, a₁. This maximum extension distance a₁ is indicated on FIG. 5. Since each extendable spoke section 28 can be independently positioned, any shape of window well rim 16,16′ that satisfies these conditions will support the adjustable grate 10. The shape and size of the hub 22 and the length of fixed spokes 26, a₂, dictates the maximum extension distance a₁ and therefore these dimensions are chosen based on the range of sizes and shapes of window wells 14 that one wishes to provide grates 10 for. If the extendable spoke is sized to substantially fit within the fixed spoke section 27 when retracted, as shown in FIG. 5, then one can see that the extension distance a₁ must be less than the fixed spoke length a₂.

The procedure for mounting such an adjustable grate 10 first involves extending the extendable spoke sections 28. The grate 10 can then be placed over the window well rim 16 without it falling into the well 14 while being positioned. Once the desired position is attained each of the extendable spokes 28 can be independently retracted to the length where the notch 42 mates with the corresponding section of the window well rim 16. The extendable spoke sections 28 may be left freely slideable relative to fixed spoke sections 27. Alternatively, once positioned, the relative position of extendable spoke sections make be secured relative to fixed spoke sections 27. This can be accomplished permanently, for example, by welding, or releasably, for example, by locking elements such as set screws 30.

One skilled in the art can also appreciate that there are numerous variations of the embodiment possible that accomplish the same function but may be more desirable depending on the application circumstances. While the fixed spoke sections 27 and extendable spoke sections 28 are shown having rectangular cross-sections, other shapes such as circular, oval, hexagonal, etc. would also work. Also, the brace 24 and hub 22 are described as being curved members which are rectangular in cross-section however other cross-sectional shapes would also work provided the hub end 32 and the brace end 34 of the fixed spoke section 27 are of a shape which permits a rigid connection to the hub 22 and brace 24.

The present embodiment is described, and best shown in FIG. 1, as having one brace memeber 24 which serves to rigidly interconnect the fixed spoke sections 27. However, multiple brace members, similar to brace member 24 and located concentrically or otherwise between the hub 22 and first brace member 24, may also be employed to either further stiffen the grate 10, to reduce the size of the grate openings, or for purely aesthetic reasons. Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 show seven (7) spokes 26, more or less than this number may be employed in a grate 10 with the choice depending on the size of the window well 14, the expected loads on the grate 10, aesthetics or other considerations. Moreover, while it is desirable to construct the adjustable grate 10 out of a durable rigid material such steel or some similar metal, one can appreciate that other materials can be employed.

A second embodiment of a spoke 126 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 6, wherein the extension range of the spokes is increased. Here it is seen that spoke 126 includes a fixed spoke section 127 affixed between a hub 122 and brace 124. The first extendable spoke section 128 is hollow so as to have an open interior 152. A first extendable spoke section 128 is telescopically received within the interior 152 of fixed spoke section 127. A second extendable spoke section 129 is telescopically received within the interior 153 of first extendable section 128. Because the spokes 126 have multiple telescoping extendable sections, the extension range, a₄, is increased beyond the previous limitation of the length of the fixed spoke 27, a₃, in the first embodiment discussed above.

A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 7. Similar to the previous embodiments, the adjustable grate 210 includes a base formed by a a backplate 270 and a hub 220. A brace member 224 is disposed outwardly of hub 224 and is secured to both hub 220 and backplate 270. Grate 210 further includes a plurality of spokes 226 that each include a fixed spoke section 227 and an extendable spoke section 228. In this embodiment the hub 220 and brace member 224 are of a non-arcuate shape. The fixed spokes 226 are also not oriented in a radial pattern. One skilled in the art can appreciate that, provided that the spokes 226 are arranged in a manner which provides adequate structural strength, there are numerous possibilities for the spoke 226 orientation pattern and shape of the hub 220 and brace 224. The backplate 270 serves to further stiffen the grate 210 and to abut the structure's wall 230 and provide a convenient member for affixing the grate 210 to the structure.

This embodiment also shows the grate 210 mounted onto a window well sidewall 212 with a rim 216 having a substantial thickness. In applications such as this, the extendable spoke 228 has a distal rim end 240 which may include a hole 244 for an anchor screw or bolt to the be used to attach the extendable spoke section 228 to the rim 216 or it may also include a tongue 242 to overlap the rim 216 and provide support.

A third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. Here, window well grate 310 is illustrated mounting into a semi-circular ring 316 of a window well 314. In this embodiment, brace member 24 is eliminated. Instead, hub 322 is semi-circular in shape and has its opposite ends affixed to a base member 324 that, in this embodiment, is in the form of a hollow tubular member. Base extendible sections 325 are telescopically received in the outer ends of base section 324 and are extendible so as to have ends 360 that can rest on rim 316 in the manner described above. A plurality of spokes 326 extend radially outwardly from hub 322, similar to that described with respect to the first exemplary embodiment. Each spoke 326 includes a fixed spoke section 327 and an extendible spoke section 328 telescopically received therein. This structure is essentially the same as that described with respect to the first embodiment of the present invention, discussed above, so that this description is not again repeated.

A fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 9. This embodiment is particularly constructed so as to be employed with rectangular window wells. Thus, grate 410 is adapted to mount in a window well 414 and be supported by rim 416 thereof. Grate 410 includes a base formed by a tubular base section 424 which has opposite extendible sections 425 telescopically received in the opposite ends thereof, similar to that described with respect to the third exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the hub is eliminated. Instead, a plurality (herein shown as 6) of spokes 426 are oriented parallel to one another and include spoke sections 427 having one end affixed to tubular base member 424. Extendible spoke sections 428 are telescopically received in fixed spoke sections 427 so that their ends may engage and be supported by rim 416 in a manner that should now be well appreciated from the description of the foregoing embodiments.

A fifth embodiment of an adjustable grate 510 is illustrated in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the grate 510 is configured to cover an opening which possesses a rim 516 encompassing the entire opening, such as in a man hole, an air vent or a barbeque pit. Similar to the previous embodiments, the hub 522 and brace 524 are interconnected by spokes 526 which include fixed spoke sections 527 that are sized to accept extendable spoke sections 528. The hub 522 and brace 524 are circular members with the fixed spoke sections 527 equally spaced and positioned radially about the hub 522. As mentioned previously, however, these shapes and orientations are not necessarily limited to circular and radial, respectively.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein. 

1. A grate adapted to extend over an opening formed in part by a wall section that has in an upper rim and that extends around at least a portion of the opening, comprising: (A) a rigid base; (B) a plurality of rigid spokes supported by and extending outwardly from said base, each said spoke including: (1) a fixed section affixed to said base, and (2) an extendible section terminating in a distal end and being movably supported by said fixed section whereby said extendible section may be moved to a selected position between an extended position and a retracted position such that the distal end portion thereof may be selectively adjusted to be at different distances from said base.
 2. A grate according to claim 1 wherein said base includes a base member having central section and a pair of base extension pieces movably supported by said central section whereby said base extension pieces may be moved between an extended position and a retracted position such that the distal ends thereof may be selectively positioned at different distances apart from one another.
 3. A grate according to claim 2 wherein said fixed sections of said spokes are affixed to said central section.
 4. A grate according to claim 2 wherein said base includes a hub member secured to said base member, said fixed sections of said spokes being affixed to said hub member.
 5. A grate according to claim 1 wherein said base is defined by a hub member, said fixed sections of said spokes being affixed to said hub member.
 6. A grate according to claim 5 including a brace member positioned outwardly of said hub member with first ends of said fixed sections affixed to said hub member and with second ends of said fixed section affixed to said brace member.
 7. A grate according to claim 5 wherein said hub member is arcuate in shape.
 8. A grate according to claim 1 wherein each said extendible section is telescopically received in a respective said fixed section.
 9. A grate according to claim 1 wherein the distal end portion of each of said extendible section has a hole formed therein that is sized and adapted to receive an anchor element.
 10. A grate according to claim 1 wherein the distal end portion of each of said extendible section is formed as a lip sized and adapted to engage the upper rim of said wall section.
 11. A grate according to claim 10 wherein the distal end portion of each of said extendible section has a notch formed therein proximately to said lip, said notch sized to receive the upper rim of said wall section therein.
 12. A grate according to claim 1 wherein each said spoke includes a releasably locking element operative to secure a respective said extendible section in the selected position.
 13. A grate according to claim 12 wherein said locking element is a set screw.
 14. A grate adapted to extend over a window well for a window wherein the window well includes an upstanding retaining wall that terminates in an upper rim and that extends around at least a portion of said window so as to form a well allowing light to enter the window, comprising: (A) a rigid base including a hub member; (B) a brace member positioned outwardly of said hub member; (C) a plurality of rigid spokes supported by and extending outwardly from said base, each said spoke including: (1) a fixed section having a first end portion affixed to said hub member and an opposite second end portion affixed to said brace member, and (2) an extendible section terminating in a distal end and being telescopically received by said fixed section whereby said extendible section may be moved to a selected position between an extended position and a retracted position such that the distal end portion thereof may be selectively adjusted to be at different distances from said base.
 15. A grate according to claim 14 wherein said base includes a base member having central section and a pair of base extension pieces movably supported by said central section whereby said base extension pieces may be moved between an extended position and a retracted position such that the distal ends thereof may be selective positioned at different distances apart from one another, said hub member being secured to said central section.
 16. A grate according to claim 14 wherein the distal end portion of each of said extendible section has a hole formed therein that is sized and adapted to receive an anchor element.
 17. A grate according to claim 14 wherein the distal end portion of each of said extendible section is formed as a lip sized and adapted to engage the upper rim of said retaining wall.
 18. A grate according to claim 17 wherein the distal end portion of each of said extendible section has a notch formed therein proximately to said lip, said notch sized to receive the upper rim of said retaining wall therein.
 19. A grate according to claim 14 wherein each said spoke includes a releasably locking element operative to secure a respective said extendible section in the selected position.
 20. In a window well associated with a building that has a structural sidewall supporting a window wherein the window well includes an upstanding retaining wall with an upper rim and that extends around at least a portion of said window so as to form a well allowing light to enter the window, an improvement comprising a grate adapted to extend over an upper portion of the window well and including a rigid base adapted to be positioned adjacent to said structural side wall and a plurality of rigid spokes supported by and extending outwardly from said base, each said spoke including a fixed section affixed to said base, and an extendible section terminating in a distal end and being movably supported by said fixed section whereby each said extendible section may be moved to a selected position between an extended position and a retracted position such that the distal end portion thereof may be selectively adjusted to be at different distances from said base. 